The chances are looking better that the Packers will get a pair of outside linebackers back in the lineup this week, with Clay Matthews listed as probable and Nick Perry questionable on the final injury report Friday.

With rookie Andy Mulumba (ankle) doubtful, Mike Neal and rookie Nate Palmer are the only other outside linebackers available, so the reinforcements are coming none too soon.

Matthews has been practicing all week with a club on his right hand to protect his surgically repaired broken thumb. Perry is trying to come back from a foot injury that has kept him out the past three games, and even though it’s not as certain he’ll play, Mike McCarthy said he feels “good about what he’s done this week” to get ready.

Matthews is virtually certain to play, but there are a couple of questions. First is how many snaps he can play against the Eagles after missing the past four games.

“You have to watch all these players that haven’t played, Nick Perry, Clay Matthews, when they’re coming back,” McCarthy said. “You have another component to this, too. You have an offense that doesn’t huddle. We’ll see how that goes.”

The second question is how much the club might limit him, since he’ll be unable to grab anything with his right hand.

“There’s certain things you have to do differently,” McCarthy said. “He’s spent some individual time with Kevin Greene going through those specifics.

“The obvious is the inability to grab and use your hands. He’s an excellent hands player. He does a very good job with his placement and second reaction. He’s going to have to do something different.”